What I wake up to...

Our Daily Bread
The devotional today talked about the author's experience of waking up after having exploratory surgery for cancer.  He saw his wife's face and heard her voice.  That brought him immediate comfort.

I had a similar experience earlier this year after I had my eye surgery.  A close friend took me to the surgery.  It was nice seeing his handsome face after I woke up.  I know I embarrassed him by having help me get dressed!  hehehe

The point is that we have Jesus to be there for us after we wake up from our death from this life.  His face and voice will be there for us to welcome us home to heaven.  Are you a child of his?  Trust him today!

Lord, thank you for friends who are there for us.  Thank you for being there for us for eternity!

Teaching Tuesday
I wrote about discernment last week.  I want to continue that topic today.  I have been praying and trying to listen to God about "What's next?" for me.  I thought I would be leaving King Avenue UMC for other opportunities to serve God.  I visited two other churches.  I skipped church one Sunday.  Here is what I have learned so far.

From the first church:  The sermon was on What's next? and Finding home from the story of Jacob in the Old Testament.  God really wanted me to hear that sermon.  I am glad I listened to his leading and attended that church that specific Sunday.  I listened as the pastor talked about how Jacob followed God's leadership to his calling.

Skipped church: I realized just how much church meant to me.  I know you can be spiritual or religious without attending church, but I believe that the gathering of believers to worship is crucial to a person's spiritual life.  I missed it that Sunday.  A lot...

Second church visit:  I visited on a crazy Sunday for this church, but I got to see a cross section of the church and how they handled many things.  I experienced a little bit of the music program, which had a lot of variety (more than we do at KA IMHO).  I also saw how friendly people make a big difference.  I was impressed by the number of people that lingered after church.  So many of the folks at other I churches I have attended in my life scurry off to their busy lives as soon as church is over.

So where am I now?  I realized over the weekend that it will take me quite a while to work my way into a new church to do stuff.  I hadn't thought about that when working through this decision.  I also learned some more things about myself -- I had some hurt feelings about not being ASKED to do more.  Talk about selfishness and arrogance and pride!  Oh my!  I asked God to forgive me about that.  I talked to two close friends about this last night.  I plan to talk to another close friend and pray with him tonight.  I think I am going to schedule a lunch or coffee with the ministers at KA to discuss after that.  God told me to get over my bad self and be more assertive about being involved.  I am very, very good at being assertive.  Some even consider me formidable!  hehehe  More later.

Other Stuff
I went to see the movie Beginners last night.  I also used my free dinner coupon at Oodles of Noodles.  MmmmMmmmm!  I talked on the phone and did some stuff around the house after that.

I have a "friends night out" planned for tonight with a close friend.  We have a lot to talk about.  I hope he can make it.  He has a lot on his plate right now.  We are supposed to have dinner and see a movie.

Hang in there, my friends!  I will be upbeat and steady.  That is what I do...